Differences in Lee Turret vs Classic Turret

Twinsig · November 21, 2010, 12:21 AM

what are the differences in these, been loading single stage for 2 yrs & the new mrs. chucky wants to shoot, need to speed it up a bit on the bench.

Jim243 · November 21, 2010, 12:50 AM

Get the Lee Classic Turret Press. Four holes instead of three, better built and stronger. Auto index, primer drop tube for punched out primers. Can be used for loading rifle as well as pistol.

Get the Classic Turret.

Jim

Twinsig · November 21, 2010, 08:40 AM

wncchester · November 21, 2010, 10:18 AM

The major difference is the materials used for the body, the toggle and the swinging arms. In the "Turret" they are a very strong cast alum alloy while the "Cast Turret" is all steel/iron. (The turret heads in both are cast/machined aluminum.)

Minor difference is the Turret collects spent primers in a hollow base in the body which means it has to be dismounted to empty them. The CT drops them into a tube that you can put in an external container of your choice.

The priming method is a little different and of course the 3 vs. 4 die hole thing.

jmortimer · November 21, 2010, 11:13 AM

I got my "Deluxe" Lee Precision many years ago before Lee made the Classic Turret. It works just fine but given the choice I would get the Classic Trurret due to stronger construction as mentioned. Mine is still going strong and expect it will continue to do so but if I have some extra $$$ I'll replace it with a Classic Turret and my Lee Precision Single Stage with the Classic Cast Breech Lock.

snuffy · November 21, 2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Get the Lee Classic Turret Press. Four holes instead of three, better built and stronger. Auto index, primer drop tube for punched out primers. Can be used for loading rifle as well as pistol.

The lee deluxe turret is a four hole, auto advance press. The older 3 hole design is no longer made, it can be turned into a four hole with a kit from lee.

The lee classic turret is a much better design. The larger ram is hollow to allow the spent primers to fall through into a tube that can be capped or directed into a waste can. Beats the heck out of the primers flying onto the bench or floor with the deluxe design.

I've had both. The deluxe was used for auto handgun loads, and some .223. I sold it when I got a dillon 650. The 650 is great for long runs of one caliber, then change over to another . For short runs and load development, I bought a classic turret. When Lee redesigned it, he hit a home run. Buying it would be a lifetime investment.

Oops, guess I was wrong, they STILL offer the 3 hole, why, I can't imagine.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=405548

I guess they just call it a Lee 4 Hole Turret Press with Auto Index. There's also the same press in a kit called the deluxe kit.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=880135

Then there's the Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press, no "cast" in the name.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=814175

Notice the lower profile, and all steel linkage. The difference in initial cost is minimal, so why not get the best?

twins · November 21, 2010, 10:49 PM

I have the classic 4 turret press but use it without the auto index. I like the ability to set the all the dies (deprimer, full sizing, neck sizing, bullet seat) once for each caliber and able to switch quickly to another caliber. It is very well built and simple to use.

BombthePeasants · November 22, 2010, 11:12 AM

go to youtube.com or ammosmith.com, and search for his Lee Classic Cast Turret review videos, he demonstrates the key differences between the two in either video 1 or video 2 (can't remember off the top of my head); very instructive, and it sold me on the Classic Cast Turret. As soon as I have the free dough, I'm definitely getting one.

chiefr · November 22, 2010, 12:51 PM

Had the same problem years ago. Shooting more than I could manage with a single stage. Moved up to a progressive; problem went away.

November 21, 2010, 12:21 AM	#1
Twinsig Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: East Alabama Posts: 235	Differences in Lee Turret vs Classic Turret what are the differences in these, been loading single stage for 2 yrs & the new mrs. chucky wants to shoot, need to speed it up a bit on the bench. __________________ I also have Fire Extinguishers, hope I never need those either.

November 21, 2010, 08:40 AM	#3
Twinsig Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: East Alabama Posts: 235	Thanks Jim __________________ I also have Fire Extinguishers, hope I never need those either.

November 21, 2010, 12:50 AM	#2
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Get the Lee Classic Turret Press. Four holes instead of three, better built and stronger. Auto index, primer drop tube for punched out primers. Can be used for loading rifle as well as pistol. Get the Classic Turret. Jim

November 21, 2010, 10:18 AM	#4
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	The major difference is the materials used for the body, the toggle and the swinging arms. In the "Turret" they are a very strong cast alum alloy while the "Cast Turret" is all steel/iron. (The turret heads in both are cast/machined aluminum.) Minor difference is the Turret collects spent primers in a hollow base in the body which means it has to be dismounted to empty them. The CT drops them into a tube that you can put in an external container of your choice. The priming method is a little different and of course the 3 vs. 4 die hole thing.

November 21, 2010, 11:13 AM	#5
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	I got my "Deluxe" Lee Precision many years ago before Lee made the Classic Turret. It works just fine but given the choice I would get the Classic Trurret due to stronger construction as mentioned. Mine is still going strong and expect it will continue to do so but if I have some extra $$$ I'll replace it with a Classic Turret and my Lee Precision Single Stage with the Classic Cast Breech Lock.

November 21, 2010, 10:49 PM	#7
twins Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2010 Posts: 393	I have the classic 4 turret press but use it without the auto index. I like the ability to set the all the dies (deprimer, full sizing, neck sizing, bullet seat) once for each caliber and able to switch quickly to another caliber. It is very well built and simple to use.

November 22, 2010, 11:12 AM	#8
BombthePeasants Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 351	go to youtube.com or ammosmith.com, and search for his Lee Classic Cast Turret review videos, he demonstrates the key differences between the two in either video 1 or video 2 (can't remember off the top of my head); very instructive, and it sold me on the Classic Cast Turret. As soon as I have the free dough, I'm definitely getting one.

November 22, 2010, 12:51 PM	#9
chiefr Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: AR Posts: 1,401	Had the same problem years ago. Shooting more than I could manage with a single stage. Moved up to a progressive; problem went away.